“The Newcomer” by Caroline Rebisz

This charming story is for everyone who wants a blissful escape from their everyday worries. I kept turning the pages, smiling and giggling at Jenni’s antics, and couldn’t get enough of quaint Sixpenny Bisset. Even though this pretty town in Dorset is fictional, it felt every bit real to me.

“The Newcomer” by Caroline Rebisz centres around Jenni Sullivan, who, at the vulnerable age of fifty, has to start her life afresh. It’s only when you are young that changes are all about excitement and new experiences. When you have the first half of your life behind you, you know for sure that the chances are high that you might encounter not only endless fun but a few – dozen – obstacles as well.

I could relate to Jenni, who moved from Birmingham to Sixpenny Bisset in Dorset – from North to South – on many levels, for, a couple of decades ago, I made a similar move. True, I didn’t move within the country, but I did move to Dorset from a place very different from it. I also travelled around the UK a lot at that time, and, among other places in the north, visited Birmingham.

After a bustling city where she had enjoyed the bliss of family life, bringing up her sons, under the care of a very successful husband, Jenni finds herself in a small rural spot, surrounded by nosy neighbours who are keen to learn more about a rare newcomer to their tightly-knit community. Despite her age, Jenni has kept her figure and attractive looks, and she inevitably becomes an object of unwanted attention from local men. The intentions of some are noble – even though Jenni doesn’t need this well-meant chivalry – while others treat her as the next trophy on their shelf of conquests.

Jenni finds herself in funny, awkward, and also unpleasant situations while trying to adapt to her new life. She quickly makes friends with some of her new neighbours. Jenni likes her new home and Sixpenny Bisset and is determined to make her new life work. Alas, some people’s egoism and inability to judge outside the imaginary picture of what others want, which they have drawn in their self-centred minds, put Jenni’s plans in danger.

“The Newcomer” is a read for you if you enjoy immersing yourself in a quaint setting with a set of quirky, vivid characters that keep the readers interested from start to finish – and leave them craving more.